![](https://www.westchestereyesurgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/WES-Logo2-2.png)
Astigmatism develops when the corneal focusing surface of the eye is not spherical. Instead the cornea has different curvatures of focus creating image splitting blurred vision.
![astigmatism](https://www.westchester-eye-surgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/astigmatism-300x203.png)
Astigmatism splits focus locations resulting in blur
Correction of most astigmatism can be optical (glasses and contact lenses) or surgical (Laser Vision Correction – LASIK).
To evaluate the curvatures of the eye it is necessary to take measurements. Instruments that for such determinations could be a basic optical keratometer:
![keratometer](https://www.westchester-eye-surgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/keratometer.png)
Optical keratometer
Or for more complex evaluations a digital topographer:
![digital pentacam topographer](https://www.westchester-eye-surgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/digital-pentacam-topographer-300x200.png)
Digital pentacam topographer
Treating Astigmatism
Glasses can be prescribed to restore image clarity by joining the blurred separated images:
![astigmatism treatment glasses](https://www.westchester-eye-surgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/astigmatism-glasses-300x158.png)
Glasses bring split images closer
Similarly with contact lenses:
![contacts treat astigmatism](https://www.westchester-eye-surgeons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/contacts-astigmatism-300x201.png)
Contact lenses bring split images closer
In select cases astigmatism patients can benefit from Laser Vision Correction LV or LASIK surgery. If a patient has a clinically significant cataract and coexisting stigmatism corrected femtosecond lasers can be used to address both conditions in one setting.